Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free. You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending upon how disabled you are.

Education Benefits
VA pays benefits to eligible veterans, reservists, and active duty servicemembers while they are in an approved education or training program. Benefit programs vary depending upon length of military service and type of service (Active Duty Service vs. Reserve/Guard service). Generally, veterans have 15 years from the date they were last released from active duty to use their education
and training benefits. Reserve and National Guard members may also be eligible for education benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is low-cost term life insurance for servicemembers and reservists. Coverage of up to $400,000 begins when you enter the service.  Generally, it expires 120 days after you leave the service. Traumatic SGLI is automatically included in SGLI and provides for payment up to $100,000 for servicemembers who lose
limbs or incur other serious injuries. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is renewable term life insurance for veterans who want to convert their SGLI up to an amount not to exceed the coverage you had when you separated from service. You must apply within one year and 120 days from separation.

Pension Benefits
Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits.  These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate. Please contact our office for specific eligibility requirements.

VA Hospital & Outpatient Clinics
VA provides a number of health care services locally, through the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center and through outpatient clinics located in Schenectady, Clifton Park, and Troy.

Services available include: primary care; specialized services (such as cardiac catheterization, cardiac rehabilitation, radiation oncology, hospice care, post-traumatic stress disorder, nursing home, and respite care); services specific to women veterans (such as gynecology, bone density screening, and onsite mammography); laboratory and radiology services; and diagnostic laboratory medicine and radiology (including CT and MRI).

Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
113 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
518-626-5ooo 1 800-223-481 o

VA Outpatient Clinic Capital Region Locations:
Schenectady Outpatient Clinic
1322 Gerling Street (Sheridan Plaza)
Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 346-3334

Clifton Park Outpatient Clinic
1673 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065
(518) 383-8506

Troy Outpatient Clinic
295 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
(518) 274-7707

Additional Areas of Assistance:

Schenectady County's Veteran Service Agency can also assist in the following areas:

Federal Benefits:
Cemetery and Burial Benefits
Discharge Upgrades
Medals Access
Recrods Access
VA Mortgages
Vocational Rehabilitation

New York State Benefits:
Property Tax Exemptions
Blind Annuity
Veteran Employees with Disabilities (55c)
Gold Star Parents Annuity
Veterans Tuition Award

Please just call (518) 377-2423 for an appointment for assistance and to establish a personal & confidential file.

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VetHELP
Homeless veterans may be eligible for housing and employment services through this organization.

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Honor Flight Network
The Honor Flight Network is a volunteer, community organization that provides free transportation to our veterans so they have the chance to personally visit and reflect at their Memorials built to recognize their sacrifice to our Nation. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.

Locally there are two regional hubs of the network:

Leatherstocking Honor Flight (Howe's Cave, NY)
Flying from: ALB (Albany International)

Greg Furlong	518-366-9296	Email
Bruce Loveys	518-231-2759	–

Patriot Flight - (Troy, NY)
Flying from: ALB (Albany International)

Ron Lewis

518-459-2857 Ext. 331